Marie Craig Henderson

She was born on August 29, 1923 in Figsboro to the late William Stafford Craig and Sallie Mildred Craig.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, R.A. Henderson. Marie and R.A. dated while attending Martinsville High School. After they graduated, R.A. helped Marie sneak out of her house one night to be married by the Rev. Chevis Horne. Once married, they took the train for a short trip. After R.A. joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, Marie followed him while he was stationed in various towns and cities across the U.S. until he was transferred overseas. Upon his return, they settled in Martinsville and raised their three children.

Marie graduated early from Martinsville High School (1940) and completed a business course at Cornet Business School in Roanoke in 1941 while staying with her Aunt Mag and Uncle Blanton. She worked for local attorney John Epperly of Broaddus, Epperly and Broaddus from 1946 – 1953 and 1958 – 1959. She served as the area’s court reporter from 1960 – 1962. She began handling substitute office work for the Martinsville City Public Schools in 1970 and retired as secretary for the Superintendent of Martinsville City Public Schools.

She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church and a former member of the Charity League. She was volunteer receptionist at Piedmont Arts and at her church. She taught illiterate adults to read through President George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light volunteer program.

She loved playing bridge. Marie and R.A. played regularly with their close friends, Marianne and Jack Hankins. Marie also played with several local bridge clubs and women’s groups well into her 80’s.

Marie is survived by her sister, Margaret C. Batson of Columbia, SC; three children, Ronald C. Henderson (Susan), Suzanne H. Martin (Chuck), and Amy H. Mize, all of Martinsville; two grandchildren, Jessica Martin Duffy (Josh) of Horsepasture, and Casey Martin of Atlanta; two great-grandsons, Jacob and Caleb Duffy, and one great-granddaughter, Tali.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 11 AM at McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville Chapel with Rev. John Fulcher officiating. Interment will be held at Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Martinsville, or to Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care.